COMPLAINTS about postmen leaving cards claiming residents were not home when they tried to deliver packages have hit record levels.

COMPLAINTS about postmen leaving cards claiming residents were not home when they tried to deliver packages have hit record levels.

In 2011, 32,000 people complained to Royal Mail about being left a P739 form, better known as a 'Sorry, you were out card', when they were actually at home.

The figure is 14% higher than during 2010 and has been blamed on staff having less time to deliver.

Between June and September last year more than 8,500 people complained about the practice – a 37% rise on 2009.

Royal Mail apologised to customers who had “experienced difficulties” but stressed it has taken steps to improve its service.

A spokeswoman said: “We are a delivery company and we always seek to deliver first time. If we do not deliver to our usual high standard, we seek to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

“Where delivery cannot be achieved because no one is at home, there are a number of options for customers to choose from. These include re-delivery or the option to collect the item from our network of delivery offices and post office branches.

“Access to our network of 11,400 pick up points provides unparalleled convenience for customers as the vast majority of people live within one mile of their local post office.

“We are the only delivery company which is not allowed to deliver to a neighbour. Were we able to do so - and a pilot is currently underway - we believe this would further enhance the options available to customers and have an impact of the number of complaints we receive.”